On December 7 I will be sleeping outside for one night to advocate for the many young people who go to sleep without a home every night in Sonoma County. Between now and then, I am committed to fundraising for Social Advocates for Youth (SAY) and the critical programs and services they operate for the most vulnerable members of our community. 

Right now there are 515 youth experiencing homelessness alone each night in Sonoma County, one of the highest rates per capita in the United States. For those ages 18-24, 88% percent are unsheltered and will sleep on the streets tonight. 

The young people I’m sleeping out for may be escaping years of physical abuse, a dangerous human trafficking ring, a drug-addicted parent, a house overflowing with rage, or may have “aged-out” of the foster care system with little to no resources for self-sufficiency. And guess what? Most young people experiencing homelessness are unseen by me and you every day. They are sleeping on couches, they’re sleeping in a broken down car, or they’re trying to stay safe in remote places of the county that are unfit and dangerous for humans, especially young people, to live in. 

SAY’s services help homeless and disconnected youth stabilize their lives, find safe housing, access mental health care, and develop the skills to become contributing members of our local workforce. 

Today I ask you to help me support the work of SAY and give all youth the tools and skills they need to achieve self-sufficiency. Please click the donate button on this page and join us in ensuring that the trauma of homelessness and disconnection loosens its grip on the deserving, at-risk youth struggling in our community. On behalf of the lives you will change with your gift, thank you!

#OneColdNight2018